www.businesscar.co.uk

Date: 26 March 2015  Author: Paul Barker

In the first of a new series of ‘Focus On.’ pieces where BusinessCar talks to leading players in the service supplier arena, we speak to fuel card suppliers that offer an alternative to Allstar following its decision to charge a fee for every transaction. Paul Barker reports

The Fuelcard People

Steve Clarke, group marketing manager

What is the biggest issue in the sector?

Fleet managers are increasingly looking at per-vehicle whole-life costs. It is not just about acquisition and retained value at disposal, but includes everything else between those points. From fuel to insurance to repairs, the analysis has to be comprehensive to be worthwhile. Being able to make better-informed vehicle choices, with better-armed negotiations, makes a significant difference to fleet ROI.

How will the sector have progressed in three years’ time?

Fewer drivers will still carry plastic fuel cards, as these are made obsolete by smartphone apps. Much more fleet management information will be delivered online and accessed away from the office. The increasingly sophisticated technology will make it easier for fleet managers to exploit greater amounts of more accurate information.

What is the biggest mistake fleets make?

Not shopping around and asking the right questions.

What one piece of advice would you give a fleet operator?

Find the best fuel card product for your needs, not the one that most suits your supplier.

Sum up your past 12 months in 24 words or less

Another year of outstanding organic growth, mostly the result of customers switching from competitors.

Preview your next 12 months in 24 words or less

Continuing strong organic growth. As a Crown Commercial Service supplier, we see great potential in the public sector, where fleet managers are increasingly cost-conscious.